The Antichrist, 1 of 2

The beast I saw was like a leopard, his feet were like a bear's, and his mouth was like a lion's mouth. The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority. One of his heads appeared to be fatally wounded, but his fatal wound was healed. The whole earth was amazed and followed the beast. They worshiped the dragon because he gave authority to the beast. And they worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast? Who is able to wage war against him?" - Revelation 13:2-4 HCSB

Of all the apocalyptic characters John described, none is more fascinating than the “Beast out of the water”, also known as the Antichrist. This is indicative of the manner in which he will mesmerize people in the end times.

The prophet Daniel gave us much insight into this twisted man. Daniel 11:35 ends a prediction of the destruction of Israel with a prediction of what would happen at “the time of the end” or the “appointed time still to come.”

Because the period immediately after the fall of Jerusalem does not pertain to the Jews, Daniel immediately skipped to the next thing that does. From there to the end of chapter 12, he describes the Antichrist. I believe that his description coincides with Paul’s and John’s description of the Beast.[1]

This man will be arrogant, exalting himself and claiming to be greater than any god.[2] For a while, it will almost seem like his boasts are true, due to his unstoppable victories[3] and miracles that are so potent, that if it were possible, would even fool the elect![4]

He will rise at the same time as the city state of Babylon which will be known for its erotic pursuits. She will proselytize the world, converting them to a religion of sex (represented by Tammuz, the Babylonian fertility god[5]).

His military prowess and political skills will enable him to do as he pleases, but unlike most dictators, he will not use his power to pursue the pleasures of sex. The Antichrist will actually despise Tammuz and will instead be fascinated by a new god – a formerly unknown god of fortresses.[6] With the help of this new god, he will attack and overcome even the strongest fortresses and will use the land he captures to buy the loyalty of powerful men who long to be true landed kings.[7]

Even though she will tap him to become one of her seven kings,[8] he will, with the aid of ten “landless kings” bring about Babylon’s downfall.[9] However, he will immediately turn on his associates, betraying and overpowering three of his ten allies.[10]

“All who take up a sword will perish by a sword”[11] as the seemingly invincible Beast will soon after discover. The remaining seven kings will quickly realize what kind of snake they have brought into their bosom and will rush to destroy him before he destroys them.

[1] 2 Thessalonians 2:4; Revelation 13:5-8
[2] Daniel 11:36
[3] Revelation 6:2
[4] Mark 13:22
[5] Ezekiel 8:14
[6] Daniel 11:36-38
[7] Daniel 11:39; Revelation 17:12-13
[8] Revelation 17:11
[9] Revelation 17:16-17; 18:8-10, 17, 21
[10] Deniel 7:8
[11] Matthew 26:52